We are always told that the first impression is the only impression that we get. If you apply this mantra to wine you may miss out on some really great juice. In tasting wine there are times that I put my nose in the glass and I know that the wine is flawed or just plum gross, but there are times when a wine sneaks up on me. I'll put my nose in and it is not flawed nor is it bad, it is just shy and not ready to play yet. This week was the perfect example of a wine that on first sniff was simple, pleasant but did not speak to me. Fast forward a few hours and the wine was radiant. Martinborough Vineyard is one of the pioneers of the New Zealand wine industry and for over twenty-five has produced beautiful and classic wines from the very start.
Wine: Martinborough Vineyard "Russian Jack"
Grape: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2008
Region: Martinborough of Wairarapa, New Zealand (North Island)
Retail: $20
Website: Martinborough Vineyards
Fun Fact: Before Martinborough became a world famous wine region is was a land of low bushes and scrub. To clear the land for vineyards labors called "swaggers" were hired to clear the scrub to make way for the vineyards. The most famous "swagger" was nicknamed Russian Jack. In honor of his backbreaking work, this wine is named for him (his was actually from the Ukraine).
Tasting Notes: At first glance I brushed aside the wine as simple because I was silly. Luckily I was intrigued by something and had a hunch that the wine would show more after a few hours of being open. I was rewarded with a wine that is deep, dark, rich and sexy. This is a dense Pinot Noir with aromas of black plums, black cherries, and rhubarb pie. As the wine evolved it showed hints of chocolate, baking spices and dried leaves with a medium body. The wine is very well balanced with fine tannins, amble fruit but interesting non-fruit aromas and flavors. Russian Jack is a versatile wine and can be paired with various dishes: grilled/roast salmon (try to add some mushrooms to bring out the earthiness), roasted pork, grilled lamb or tender fillet mignon.
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